With twelve weeks down, in most leagues the playoff picture is coming clear. Some teams are are in the process of securing solid backups for a playoff run while others are looking toward next year.Those looking to next year, are likely hoping to find some diamonds in the rough to stash away. Here’s four under the radar guys that fit the bill:

As I write this, Myles Turner has 24 points with six minutes left in the fourth quarter of the Pacers game against the Nuggets. In my humble opinion, based on the eye test, Turner is the second best rookie big man prospect in the NBA, right behind Karl Anthony Towns. That’s right, I think he’s got a better future than Jahlil Okafor, Willie Cauley Stein, and even Kristaps Porzingis.

Another guy who may be undervalued right now is Emmanuel Mudiay. Some may have given up on him. I haven’t. While watching him recently, I was reminded of a young Chauncey Billups. Like Billups, he has good size and strength and will only get better as he matures. If he can develop a jumper, he has a chance to develop into a really nice player.

I also really like Stanley Johnson for the Pistons. Right now, he’s stuck behind Marcus Morris in the rotation, but I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point, Morris moves into more a sixth man role for the Pistons to allow Johnson time to truly come into his own. It might not happen this season, but I’d expect it next season for sure.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Detroit Pistons

Pistons fans know that KCP is the heart and soul of that team. He plays harder, longer, and with more energy than anyone else on the roster. It’s really good to see all that work paying off in the way of fantasy value. He’s been hot lately, and I’d recommend riding the streak.

J.R. Smith, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Speaking of riding the hot hand, I’d also recommend that strategy with J.R. Smith. He’s been picking up his production as of late, and the Cavs have a favorable schedule this week. I’d give him a hard look, especially with the dearth of fantasy production from SGs in the NBA.

Serge Ibaka, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Serge hasn’t had a great year, but he’s still been a fairly reliable fantasy option. He’s definitely worth a look with the Thunder’s highly favorable schedule this week.

Sits

Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Ricky Rubio can’t seem to get it together. He’s either hurt or underperforming. Earlier this year, he was hurt. Now, he’s underperforming. I’d keep him on the bench, especially with the Timberwolves poor schedule.

Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards

Beal’s coming off a stress fracture and will need a little time to get back to full speed. I do think he’ll get there, but I’d give him another week or so, just to make sure he’s back at full speed.

John Mantooth is an award-winning author whose short stories have been recognized in numerous year's best anthologies. His first book, Shoebox Train Wreck, was released in March of 2012 from Chizine Publications. His debut novel, The Year of the Storm, came out in June 2013 from Berkley. He lives in Alabama with his wife, Becky, and two children where he spends far too much time thinking about fantasy basketball.